Over the past month, as 2013 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Ambassador, I’ve seen all the cool ways YOU have prepared for the holiday! Earlier this month, I had the chance to visit Glassell Park Elementary School and Studio School in Los Angeles to see what Kids Helping Kids® means to them. I was blown away by their creativity, enthusiasm and spirit. They’re excited about their ability to really make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

You may not know it, but every little thing you do to raise money for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF makes a BIG difference for children in need around the world. UNICEF believes in ZERO — ZERO children kept out of school, ZERO children without medicine and ZERO children dying from things we can prevent. The money kids like you raise through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF helps provide lifesaving medicines, nutrition, clean water, education, emergency relief and so much more to children all over the world.

The students at Glassell Park Elementary School and Studio School and across the country have shared their creativity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (check out #TOT4UNICEF to see what I mean!) -— I’m so proud of all the hard work you guys have put into making this the Best. Halloween. Ever. Now that the big day is finally here: Happy Halloween! Celebrate in your classrooms and your community. Whether you’re hosting a bake sale or a costume contest at school, or going door to door Trick-or-Treating in your community, be safe, have fun and know that the work you do is REALLY appreciated!

Remind your teachers to submit your classroom’s entry to the first-ever Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF School Challenge and show the U.S. Fund for UNICEF what Kids Helping Kids means to you this year. Now that you’ve come up with a fun way to celebrate Halloween — while helping kids around the world — take photos or videos of how your class is participating. Have your teacher submit your entry online. You can win great prizes for your class -- five teachers will win a chance to travel to Tanzania to see UNICEF’s lifesaving work in person and bring that experience back to your classroom!! Thank you for everything you’ve done for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF this year!

♥

Laura Marano P.S. – If you missed a chance to order boxes, download a canister wrapper so you can Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF today!